Green Party urges caution in Irish troop deployment
The Green Party today urged the Government to be extremely cautious about sending Irish troops to the Lebanon. Green Party Chairman and Defence spokesperson John Gormley TD called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Dermot Ahern and the Minister for Defence, Willie O’Dea to outline precisely what the Government plans were in relation to troop deployment in the Lebanon.
“The Green Party has supported every Dáil resolution to send Irish troops on peace-keeping and peace-making missions, but this particular case requires detailed scrutiny. 47 Irish Unifil troops have already lost their lives in Lebanon in far less volatile circumstances.
“This mission is potentially the most dangerous that Irish troops have ever faced. Sending Irish troops to Lebanon on a mission involving the disarming of Hezbollah could result in huge casualties and a widening of the present conflict.
“Any force involved in disarming Hezbollah could immediately be perceived as siding with the Israeli army and become the subject of military attack. Likewise, the Israelis have shown scant regard for UN Forces in the area. Both Minister Dermot Ahern and Minister Willie O’Dea need to state immediately what their plans are and if and when they intend to recall the Dáil to debate this very important matter,” concluded Deputy Gormley.